Lima is the capital of Peru and second largest city after Callao. This city is a curious mix of the modern mega city, large but orderly slum areas and colonial architecture in the city centre. Lima was, with Mexico City, the seat of the Spanish rule during 300 years, and as such it has wonderful churches, cloisters and monasteries that are worth a visit.

Lima also has a great subtropical climate, it is never too warm or too cold. People in Lima do not know what a raincoat or umbrella is, since rains are rare. In fact, Lima is built upon a valley surrounded by an extremely arid desert.

Tourist Offices
There are tourist information offices at the airport, at Av. Jorge Basadre and at the Larcomar shopping centre in Miraflores.

Dangers and Annoyances
Miraflores and San Isidro have large populations of well-to-do and wealthy Peruvians, not to mention large tourist groups, so they have large police presence to protect the population. Other districts, such as La Victoria, are much more dangerous. Visitors would be well advised to stay out of these areas unless accompanied by an experienced native or visiting busy areas during daylight hours. Down town Lima is normally well patrolled but be careful anyway. Callao (the port, technically a different city) is rather rough: ask for advice before going there if you plan to.

An important Peruvian concept to be aware of is the pepera. This term signifies a woman, usually attractive and aged 16 to 25, that will meet a foreign tourist and encourage him to go to a bar or club. Once there, she will spike his drink with a sleeping pill and rob him. Usually "peperas" work in groups of two, although smaller and larger groups are known. A similar concept exists where male "peperas" spike the drinks of women, and the robbery is often accompanied by a rape. Peperas in general are found in areas of dense tourist presence, such as Park Kennedy in Miraflores or the Plaza de Armas in the central area of Lima.

Around and closeby
Islas Palomino are located a short distance from the port of Lima, Callao. These small islands are inhabited by small colonies of sea lions, Peruvian boobies and Guanay cormorants. This is an alternative excursion to famous Ballestas Islands in Paracas if you are spending some days in Lima and can not travel south to Pisco and Paracas, and also if you want to swim with the sea lions. In Ballestas that is forbidden.

Sightseeing
If you are used to boring clinical supermarkets, drop by one of the markets to experience something very different. Take care with raw or uncooked food. Try Lima's beaches, a paradise for surfers. However, not recommended for swimming or sun bathing, because of thieves and poor water quality. Actual Lima beaches tend to be very cramped on weekends, but the southern beaches, farther away, are better, and safer in all senses. There are some very upscale beaches down south, specially in the area known as Asia, but are mostly orientated towards residents than day trippers.

Getting there
Lima is the hub for most domestic flights and is served by: Aerocondor, LAN Peru, LC Burse, TACA Peru, Star Peru and Wayra Peru.

Lima doesn't have a big bus terminal. Most companies are in La Victoria, not Lima's nicest neighbourhood. More expensive express buses tend to run from terminals by the inner ringroad. Regular buses run up and down the Panamerican Highway and inland: South: Pisco, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa & Tacna.
North: Huaraz, Chimbote, Trujillo, Chiclayo & Piura.

Getting around
In the city centre you can easily walk around from one place to another. There are big buses, medium-sized micros and combis. Usually you can stop them at any point, though it's easier at the end of a block or at traffic lights.